Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ has been crowned the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year. Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ was described as a fascinating new form with unusual delicate ferny foliage which softens borders. Bright lemon yellow scented blooms are followed by attractive blue berries.
The Clematis ‘Lemon Dream’ was placed in second place while the Tropaeolum ‘Fruit Salad’ took the third position.
The RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year was created to recognise the most inspiring new plant at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A shortlist of 20 plants was chosen by a panel including Plant Committee Chairs, RHS Garden Curators and RHS President, Elizabeth Banks, from over 40 plants entered by Floral and Garden exhibitors.
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ which is grown by the Dutch nursery Van Son & Koot and is featured in the show garden from SeeAbility, the charity for blind or partially sighted people, prevailed after a vote-off between the three finalists.
Speaking about the victory, Chris Campbell, a partner from Javado, the company that sourced the winning plant said: “We are delighted to have spotted a winner, as plant supplier we are always looking to excite our customers with new plants.
“I spotted the Mahonia last summer and knew at once that this would be a great plant for our garden centres. We work very closely with our growers to ensure top-quality plants every time.”
Source: HortiTrends News Room
